Women who suffer from infertility problems may get some help from a combination hormone therapy, MayoClinic.com reports. Two of the substances used in such treatments are Clomid, a brand name of clomiphene, and human chorionic gonadotropin, or HCG. Doctors usually combine these with follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH, and human menopausal gonadotropin to help you become pregnant, MayoClinic.com reports. Clomid stimulates fertility in women by inducing the secretion of more luteinizing hormone and FSH. HCG stimulates the release of your egg. Both cause similar as well as different types of side effects.
Multiple Births
While the point of treatment with HCG and Clomid is to assist you to conceive, a common effect of Clomid is to become pregnant with more than one child at a time. Drugs.com indicates that multiple births as a result of Clomid can cause undue strain on you as the mother and on your unborn children. Your babies may birth at less than ideal weights, for example. Speak with your doctor about potential health risks before you take the treatment.
OHSS
Both Clomid and HCG can produce as a side effect ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which can potentially threaten your life. OHSS may produce such symptoms as queasiness and vomiting, swelling in your stomach, legs or hands, and breathing problems such as shortness of breath. You may also feel severe pain in your pelvis and pain in your stomach. You may notice a decrease in urination and bouts of diarrhea. Drugs.com recommends consulting your fertility doctor immediately if you develop any symptoms that could be due to OHSS.
Hot Flashes
Commonly associated with menopause, hot flashes or flushing may occur when you take Clomid, MayoClinic.com reports. Your skin may suddenly feel hot and appear red, much like blushing. Hot flashes can cause sudden sweating, too. MayoClinic.com indicates hot flashes should recede and then end as you continue your fertility treatments. Doctors expect this side effect to occur in mild form and go away, but talk to yours if hot flashes continue.
Mental Difficulties
Hormones, especially those injected into your body, can affect your mental state. HCG, for example, may make you develop temporary and nonserious depression. You also may feel unduly irritable or develop a mild sense of restlessness when first getting your injections of HCG. These changes in your normal personality tend to be temporary and then go away on their own. If they seem severe, however, and they worry you, consult your doctor about any of them.
